*Lifts SSANU Leaders’ Suspension, Demands Apology Letters
The Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has cleared the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, of allegations of sexual harassment made by a member of staff at the institution.
In recent months, the university had been embroiled in controversies following reported allegations of sexual harassment against the VC by Folasade Adebayo, the Director of Physical Planning and Works and Services.
Additionally, the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE branch, was at odds with the university’s management over issues related to the suspension of their leadership.
The governing council, led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, set up an investigative panel in January to resolve the matter in the best interest of the parties involved and the institution.
In a statement issued yesterday, Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mufutau Ibrahim, said the council, during its extraordinary meeting on April 8, 2025, considered the report of the investigative committees formed to look into the issues.
While exonerating the VC from the allegations, the statement revealed that the report indicated Adebayo never made official complaints of sexual harassment against Professor Fasina, thus confirming the earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The council also condemned Adebayo’s actions in recording the VC without his consent, stating it violated the university’s established laws and regulations.
Adebayo was directed to write an apology letter to the council within the next seven days and was warned against bringing the university’s name into disrepute.
The statement read: “There was no case of sexual harassment, thus confirming the earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), during which Adebayo stated she was not sexually harassed.
“All documents relied on in the investigation by the Committee were attached to the report (NPF report, audio tapes, their transcripts, correspondences by the Vice-Chancellor and Adebayo, minutes of Management meetings, etc.).
“The Council condemned the recording of the Vice Chancellor without his knowledge and consent. All members of the Council agreed that the recordings were tools for blackmail to confirm Adebayo as the substantive Director of Works, a position the Vice Chancellor had no authority to grant. Contrary to Adebayo’s allegation that she was removed as acting Director of Works and Services, her tenure expired.”
The council also noted that Adebayo never made any complaints of sexual harassment against the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi S. Fasina.
The council further directed that Adebayo be warned for bringing the university into disrepute and be required to submit a letter of apology within seven days.
However, the council frowned upon the management’s preferential treatment of Adebayo by backdating her promotion to 2015 in 2024. The council directed that management be formally warned and to desist from such actions.
The statement continued: “Council directed that the unwarranted backdated promotion be reviewed appropriately.
“Council advised the Vice Chancellor, Professor Fasina, in writing to be more careful and circumspect in dealing with subordinates.
“Council will also develop policies on cyber-bullying, social media use, and community and public relations. Additionally, the council condemned the act of recording people without their knowledge and consent, as this is inconsistent with the freedoms of an academic community.”
The council also announced plans to advertise for the substantive positions of Director of Physical Planning and Director of Works and Services. A peace and reconciliation committee will be set up to address all issues within the university. Furthermore, on-boarding and re-orientation programs will be organized for new and existing staff.
Regarding the suspension of SSANU chairman Mr. Benjamin Faleye and secretary Mrs. Ayomikun Aluko, the council’s investigation found them guilty of gross misconduct. However, their suspension was lifted with forfeiture of their half salaries during the suspension period. They were also directed to write letters of apology and undertakings to abide by the university’s laws within seven days.
On the issue of internal review processes for promotion to the professorial cadre, with a case study on Dr. Ngozi C. Ole, the council reviewed its internal processes and identified weaknesses, deciding on steps to strengthen FUOYE’s internal promotion procedures.
The post “No Official Complaints Were Made,” FUOYE Council Clears Vice Chancellor Prof. Fasina Of Sexual Harassment Allegations appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.